FA Cup final and Premiership rugby fans warned to expect strict searches and armed cops at Wembley and Twickenham this Bank Holiday weekend

Chief Superintendent Jon Williams has confirmed the "top class sporting fixtures" will still go ahead but the change in terror threat level will have an impact

By Ellie Cambridge

26th May 2017, 10:04 am

Updated: 3rd July 2017, 2:08 pm

THE Met today warned sports fans to expect strict searches and armed police at this weekend's rugby and football matches in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

Chief Superintendent Jon Williams confirmed the "top class sporting fixtures" will go ahead along with other Bank Holiday events in the capital - but said the change in terror threat level will have an impact.

Getty Images

Armed police pictured outside Wembley stadium prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier in March - armed cops will make a return to the stadium this weekend

EPA

Security will be stepped up at Wembley Stadium this weekend - this picture from March shows a sniffer dog at the iconic stadium

Reuters

Police numbers will be increased this weekend at both Wembley and Twickenham Stadiums

He said: "We are doing everything we can to keep London safe."

He added anyone going to the FA Cup Final at Wembley between Arsenal and Chelsea on Saturday will see an increase in cops in and around the north London stadium.

Armed officers will join police armoured vehicles as roads are closed in the area to protect fans.

Twickenham Stadium hosts the Aviva Premiership Final on Saturday and the Old Mutual Wealth Cup on Sunday, as fans are joined by an increase in police.

Chief Supt Williams added: "If you have a ticket for any of the matches please help us out. Arrive earlier as there will be additional security and entry searches which may take a bit longer than fans are used to.

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“Our operations will include a range of highly visible but also covert and discrete tactics and this will run far beyond the final whistle and away from specific stadia. This will also apply right throughout the transport network.

“Our operation across London is also designed to move around from location to location - focusing on popular areas where people gather and events that may not have previously had a police presence.

“All of this is designed to make the policing approach unpredictable and to make London as hostile an environment as possible to terrorists.”

“I would ask people to be our eyes and ears - if you see something suspicious tell a police officer or member of security staff.

“If you are out in London this weekend or at an event talk to our officers, they are there to reassure, help and keep you safe.”

PA:Press Association

Armed police began patrolling the UK's train networks for the first time yesterday

EPA

Soldiers joined armed police to guard Westminster and other key areas in London this week

Anyone concerned about suspicious behaviour, or who has information they believe may help police, should call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321. They do not have to give their name and all information received via the hotline is confidential.